I/O modules bring multiple-drive systems together

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 3, 2004

Rockwell Automation has made two new additions to the Allen-Bradley 1769 family of I/O devices.

Rockwell Automation has made two new additions to the Allen-Bradley 1769 family of I/O devices.

The 1769-SM1 and 1769-SM2 Compact I/O modules offer a quick and easy way of adding sophisticated control capabilities to simple multiple-drive systems without the need to specify a fully networked solution.

The 1769-SM1/SM2 is a compact, self-contained control solution for situations where a small number of drives are used, but where more flexible control is required than is possible using a simple hardwired connection.

Previously, access to parameters across multiple drives would require a network interface.

Now the 1769-SM1/SM2 allows engineers to use Rockwell Automation's low-cost Allen-Bradley MicroLogix and CompactLogix controllers to deliver comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities without the added cost of installing a traditional network solution, such as DeviceNet.

The new interface is available in two variants: SM1 is designed for PowerFlex 70/700 drives and SM2 for PowerFlex 4/40.

Each module can control up to three Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives, in any combination.

Although its compact size makes it ideal for use where the drive and controller are in close proximity, the 1769-SM1/SM2 can be used with drives up to 10m away with no additional hardware.

The 1769-SM1/SM2 is intended to be a plug-and-play solution, enabling easy access to logic commands, drive status and references with no additional coding.

Any parameter within a connected drive or associated peripheral can be read or written to.

Up to eight such parameters can be examined and modified.

A number of user configurable options are built-in which allow for a sophisticated response to error conditions.

In the event that the controller or scanner goes into idle mode, or if a communications error is detected, a number of different actions can be pre-assigned, these can include stopping the drive with a fault condition or holding the last I/O data transmitted and continuing the drive in its present state.

The user can also specify the Logic Command Reference and data sent to a drive, allowing complete flexibility in configuring a fault action.

The 1769-SM1/SM2 Compact I/O modules have a comprehensive selection of onboard diagnostic tools to allow drive-side troubleshooting using a PowerFlex keypad or Rockwell Automation's software utilities such as DriveExplorer and DriveExecutive.

Diagnostic routines allow the user to view logic commands, logic status and datalink data as they are being transmitted.

Configuration of the 1769-SM1/SM2 Compact I/O modules and connected drives can also be achieved using a PowerFlex keypad, DriveExplorer or DriveExecutive.

The addition of the 1769 SM1/SM2 to Rockwell Automation's range of Allen-Bradley drive products allows greater flexibility in the choice of control system that can be employed in multiple-drive applications.

The combination of 1769-SM1/SM2 and an Allen-Bradley Logix controller means that many of the installation and operational issues associated with a fully networked solution can be avoided, delivering a leaner and more cost-effective response to the application's control requirements.